Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recovered a large cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway general area of Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of sustained intelligence-driven operations across the North-East.
The military said the recovery followed continued troop presence and follow-up actions after a recent cordon-and-search operation aimed at denying criminal and terrorist elements freedom of action, particularly in the wake of multiple suicide bombers neutralised or apprehended in the past week.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops received a distress call at about 3:00 p.m. on January 2, 2026, reporting the discovery of suspicious metallic objects concealed inside a drainage channel in the Bulumkutu Railway area.
He said troops, working alongside Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the environment and carried out a detailed assessment of the threat.
“A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, including some live 12.7mm rounds, as well as power banks concealed inside the drainage channel,” the statement said.
Preliminary safety measures were promptly taken to secure the site, while efforts are ongoing to drain the channel to determine if additional dangerous items are present. Troops, in collaboration with the Police and other security agencies, continue to dominate the general area to ensure the safety of residents, protect critical infrastructure and prevent any attempt by criminal or terrorist elements to retrieve the recovered items.
The military confirmed that no casualties or untoward incidents were recorded during the operation, adding that the security situation in the area remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance due to the dynamic threat environment.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba said the successful recovery underscored the importance of intelligence-led operations, sustained military pressure and community cooperation in preventing potential security threats. He also highlighted the critical role of timely information from members of the public in enhancing collective security.
He urged residents of the North-East to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious items or movements to security agencies, stressing that collective responsibility remains vital to sustaining peace and security in the region.
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